What 392.7B means in plain language
FMCSR 392.7B requires drivers to complete a pre-trip inspection specifically focused on intermodal equipment before operating a commercial motor vehicle. Intermodal equipment includes containers, chassis, or other specialized cargo-carrying apparatus designed to be transferred between different modes of transport—truck, rail, or ship.
This inspection goes beyond a standard vehicle walk-around. You're required to check the condition and security of the intermodal container or chassis itself: looking for damage, structural integrity, proper locking mechanisms, corner fittings, and anything that could affect the safety or security of the load during transport. The regulation mandates that you document this inspection occurred, typically in your pre-trip inspection report or driver vehicle condition report (DVIR).
When an inspector pulls you over and asks to see evidence that you performed this inspection—and you cannot demonstrate that you did—the violation is cited.
What our enforcement data actually shows
Across our 13 million+ roadside inspection records, 392.7B is an exceptionally rare citation. We have recorded 30 all-time citations for this code, with 12 citations in the last 12 months and only 2 in the last 90 days. This places 392.7B at rank #1799 of 3,036 FMCSR codes by citation volume.
The most notable statistic: 0.0% out-of-service rate. Not a single vehicle cited for 392.7B has been placed out of service. This is substantially lower than the all-FMCSR average OOS rate of 31.4%. In other words, inspectors have never deemed a 392.7B violation serious enough to remove a vehicle from service at roadside. The violation results in a citation and fine, but does not halt your operation.
The rarity of this citation suggests that the vast majority of intermodal equipment drivers are conducting these inspections, or inspectors encounter them infrequently during routine checks.
Who gets cited most
Our inspection records from the last 180 days show 392.7B citations concentrated in a small number of states. New Jersey led with 3 citations, followed by Kansas, Massachusetts, North Carolina, and Nevada, each with 1 citation. All five states maintained a 0.0% out-of-service rate—no variation in enforcement severity across these jurisdictions.
No single carrier dominates the violation pattern. Our all-time data shows that citations are spread across diverse fleets, with carriers such as J B Hunt Transport Inc (1 citation) and several smaller specialized logistics operators each recording one or two violations. This distribution indicates the citation is not a systematic problem for any particular fleet.
How severe is this compared to similar codes
392.7B sits in the Unsafe Driving category alongside other inspection and operational violations. By comparison, the most common peer code is 392.2—Operating a CMV while ill or fatigued, which has generated 1,208,164 citations all-time with a 0.8% OOS rate. Even the specialized variants of 392.2 (392.2-SLLSR, 392.2RG, 392.2-SLLTCD) each exceed 72,000 citations and maintain OOS rates between 0.0% and 2.4%.
392.7B's 30 all-time citations and 0.0% OOS rate make it one of the least-enforced violations in the Unsafe Driving category. This suggests either strong compliance by intermodal equipment operators or low inspection frequency for this specific violation type.
How to avoid it
The citation was triggered because inspectors found no documented evidence that you performed a pre-trip inspection of the intermodal equipment. Prevention is straightforward:
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Document every pre-trip inspection in writing before you depart. Use your fleet's DVIR system, a paper form, or your electronic logbook—whatever your carrier requires. Include the date, time, and your signature or digital confirmation.
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Physically walk the intermodal equipment before each trip. Check the container or chassis for visible damage, dents, or cracks. Verify that corner fittings are intact, locking pins are secure, and the structure shows no signs of being compromised.
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Test locking mechanisms and seals if your equipment uses them. Ensure they engage and disengage smoothly and that any security seals are properly applied and documented.
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Inspect mounting points and securing hardware where the container connects to the chassis or truck. Look for rust, corrosion, loose bolts, or bent brackets that could fail during transit.
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Keep your written inspection record accessible during your trip. If an inspector asks, you must be able to produce evidence that the inspection was performed—a photo, a DVIR printout, or a logbook entry dated the day of operation.
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Report defects immediately to your carrier or shipper if you find something unsafe. Do not operate equipment you believe is unsafe. A pre-trip inspection that uncovers a problem and stops you from operating is a win, not a failure.
Our data shows that this violation is caught during roadside inspections, which means an inspector reviewed your vehicle and found no inspection documentation. In the intermodal equipment sector, documentation is as critical as the physical inspection itself.